Sports commentator and former NBA player Charles Barkley did not mince words in calling out politicians from both parties on Saturday, accusing both parties of deliberately exacerbating racial divisions in order to remain in power, as reported by USA Today.
While CBS was broadcasting the Final Four, the network paid tribute to Robert F. Kennedy’s speech following Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in 1968, which was delivered in Indianapolis, the same city where this year’s Final Four is being held. Following that feature, Barkley was asked who he felt was responsible for the nation’s ongoing racial tensions.
“I think most White people and black people are great people,” Barkley responded. “But I think our system is set up where our politicians, whether they are Republicans or Democrats, are designed to make us not like each other so they can keep their grasp of money and power. They divide and conquer.”
Barkley went on to further criticize both parties, saying that “their only job is, ‘Hey, let’s make these people not like each other. We don’t live in their neighborhoods. We all got money. Let’s make the Whites and blacks not like each other. Let’s make rich people and poor people not like each other.’”
Barkley has made similar comments in the past, never hesitating to criticize both parties while also advocating for genuine racial unity. His frequent political commentary has led to some speculation that he may seek political office himself one day.